Term Paper
| Topic: Critical Thinking in 2009 | Paper length: 1000-2000 words. Due: Friday, Dec 11 at midnight by Electronic Submission |
Paper Content
The main part of paper should do the following:
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Identify a substantial and interesting argument that appeared in a reputable newspaper in 2009, and which you think is wrong.
To find an argument you're interested in, you are encouraged to make use of Google News. Search for whatever you want, and then restrict your search to 2009. For example, you might search for intelligent design, or maybe just argument.
You should quote from the argument, but then put it in standard form. Identify the premises and the conclusion in your own words. Describe the form of the argument: Is it statistical? Inductive? Deductive?
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Describe the historical background/context of this argument.
Here, you're answering the question: how did this argument come to be made? If the argument involves an interesting or unusual scenario, then describe it.
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Identify what you take to be wrong with the argument.
For example, if the argument is fallacious, then you should explain why. Or, you might argue that one or more of the premises is wrong.
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Describe and argument that you think is better, and explain why you think so.
You should describe the premises and conclusion of your "better" argument, and explain whether or not the conclusion follows from the premises. You should also say why you think the premises of your "better" argument are true.
Paper Topic Submission (10%)
To help you start thinking about your paper, I'm asking you to bring in a 100-200 word description of your paper topic for discussion, on Monday, Nov 30 (1 week before the paper is due). Turning this short description in (on time) will get you 10% of the points for your paper, so it would be silly not to do it!
Presentation
The standard term-paper requirements apply: your paper should be neat, spell-checked, grammatical, and presented in an appropriate word-processor format using 12pt Times New Roman, 1-inch margins, and double-spaced lines. You should include a bibliography and properly cite all your sources. The wording in your paper should be your own. It should not be copied or paraphrased even loosely from another source. If you're uncertain about how to use sources, see this guide.
Your paper should also be well-organized. It should contain an introduction, a conclusion, and appropriately headed sections. -- for example, it would be a good idea to organize each of the requirements (1-4) above in a separate section.
Finally, as in any philosophy course, your writing should be clear and simple. Use small words and short sentences. For more information about how to write a good philosophy paper, you are welcome to check out my guide.
Submission
Your paper must be submitted in electronic form through Turnitin.com, a plagiarism prevention web resource. To submit your paper, simply do the following:
- Visit Turnitin.com.
- Click "New Users" in the upper right corner.
- Enter the appropriate Turnitin Class ID number and Enrollment Password (this will be provided in class)
- Finish the registration process.
- Click the "Principles of Scientific Reasoning" class link.
- Click the "Submit" icon in the row marked "Paper."
- Upload your paper!
Acceptable formats for your paper are MS Word, WordPerfect, PostScript, PDF, HTML, RTF and plain text. You should also submit your extra credit paper, if you choose to do one, by clicking on the "Submit" icon in the row marked "Extra Credit Paper." All papers (including extra credit) must be submitted by midnight on Friday, Dec 11.
Tips
- See the Grading Rubrik with which you will be graded.
- See Bryan's Guide to writing better philosophy papers.